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Bavina Sookdeo
"Performing has always been a love of
mine. I love walking onto a stage, looking
up at the lights and gazing out at the audi-
ence. It's always a little nerve-racking but
also very exciting!" These were the words
of Stephanie Marie Nahous in an interview
with WomanWise. Twenty-two year old
Nahous placed third in the Classical Music
Development Foundation of Trinidad and
Tobago's (CMDFTT) first annual music
competition.
The young woman who also received the
Audience Choice Award is, according to her
peers, "truly a combination of beauty, brains
and talent which is so rare to find all in one
person. She is a great role model for our
youth as she is very serious about both her
studies and her music."
To secure her place in the competition,
the songster did Widmung by Robert Schu-
mann and Perduta ho la Speranza by Ste-
fano Donaudy for the semi-final round. For
the final she sang Ouvre ton Coeur by Bizet
and Quando me'n vo' by Puccini.
How does the beautiful Nahous feel
about placing third in the competition? She
disclosed, "this competition was a fantastic
opportunity for all of Trinidad and Tobago's
budding young singers. Competitors had the
opportunity to put their best foot forward,
to interact with extremely talented musi-
cians and to work with some distinguished
professionals in the world of classical music.
That being said, placing third in this compe-
tition was a big accomplishment for me and
I am very happy about it."
From a young age Nahous, as she puts it,
"was immersed in all aspects of the arts" -
singing, dancing and playing the piano to
name a few. "Music has been a part of my
life for as long as I can remember," she re-
lated. "One of my earliest memories is
singing 'You are my sunshine' at a family
function at the age of seven. I sang in the
choir through primary school and joined the
choir at St. Joseph's Convent, Port-of-Spain,
led by Michelle Varley, when I was 15 years
old. I also joined The Assumption Church
Choir led by Juliet Eckel. I later entered
music festival and began training with June
Nathaniel." Nahous placed third in the Girls'
16-19 solo category in the North Zone at the
age of 16. "After that, I kept up my training
in Trinidad with June Nathaniel and later
joined The Marionettes Youth Chorale for a
year before leaving to attend University."
Still, this young woman is committed to
contributing to building her country in what-
ever way she can. When she is in Trinidad
she still sings at The Parish of the Assump-
tion and at various charity events and wed-
dings. "I have been keeping up my training
abroad where I am pursing a vocal perform-
ance minor in the United States" she added.
She is also majoring in Communications
with a minor in Business Administration.
Not only is Nahous serious about her aca-
demics and music but she also places great
emphasis on her family life. She was actu-
ally inspired by her grandfather. "My Grand-
father, Ramon Sabga, was a big influence in
my life. He has always been one of my role
models. He taught me so many wonderful
things about life, business, family...but aside
from all of that, he was also able to share
with me his love for music, thus, introducing
me to the world of classical music."
The singer then continued, "He discovered
his voice at a young age and his singing was
inspired by tenor Mario Lanza. Though he
was not a professional singer he was still
able to share his talent and his love for
music with his family and friends. He was
never one to turn down an invitation to sing.
If I had to sum up my Grandfather's advice
on singing it would be something like: 'do
things with passion or not at all'. He really
encouraged me to be confident, relaxed and
passionate. He taught me to sing from the
heart."
Her love for her grandfather clearly evi-
dent. Nahous continued, "It is difficult to
sum up the many wonderful memories with
my grandfather. A few, however, that come
to mind are singing at his annual Christmas
Day lunch with Felix Roach at the piano and
relaxing to the sweet sounds of old Holly-
wood musicals and his favourite Mario
Lanza films. They were always days filled
with love and laughter."
Over the years, Nahous has been involved
in five choirs. What was her greatest chal-
lenge in moving from choirs here in Trinidad
to massive choirs in the States? "A difficulty
that I came across is the need to sight sing
music. It is something very common in big
choirs in the United States," she said.
So does Stephanie Nahous think enough
is being done here in this country to encour-
age young people in the arts? "I think that
there are a lot of opportunities for young
people in the arts, especially for singers,"
she said. "There are so many great choirs
and teachers in Trinidad. The young people
just need to reach out and seize the oppor-
tunities that are available to them. Of
course there's always room for improve-
ment." For those young people Nahous sent
out some words of advice: "Nothing hap-
pens overnight. It takes hard work, dedica-
tion, discipline and sacrifice. Stay focused on
your goals and be prepared for the obsta-
cles that may come your way."
Nahous indicated that competitions such
as the CMDFTT's first annual music compe-
tition not only provide great opportunities
for singers but they also help in creating
memories that will last a lifetime.
"A memorable moment for me was on
the night of the finals. All of the competi-
tors were backstage waiting for the adjudi-
cators to make their final decision. Instead
of waiting in silence we gathered around the
piano and took turns playing our favourite
tunes and singing along. It was fantastic!"
She then added, "Another memorable mo-
ment was the day after the finals. The eight
finalists were invited to take part in a mas-
ter class led by Hilda Harris and Carlos
Aransay. It was an insightful experience. Ms
Harris and Mr Aransay were able to share
their expertise and knowledge with us and
also provide some feedback and construc-
tive criticism on our performance and tech-
nique. I am grateful to the CMDFTT for
providing such a great platform for young
aspiring musicians to obtain experience,
gain exposure and just have fun."
Who does Nahous wish to thank for her
success? "I would like to the almighty God
for his many blessings. I would like to thank
my loving family and friends for their unend-
ing support and constant encouragement
over the years; especially my parents, grand-
parents and brothers" she said "And I would
also like to thank my wonderful teachers for
their patience, dedication and example of
excellence."
It is clear that Stephanie Nahous' love for
music is undying. She concluded, "Music is
universal. It transcends time, language and
culture. It warms the heart and touches the
soul. It is an expression of emotion that
touches every person in a different way. I
think music is important to everyone since it
gives people something to relate and aspire
to. I can't imagine my life without music."
August 18, 2013 www.guardian.co.tt Sunday Guardian
5
Nothing happens
overnight. It takes
hard work, dedication,
discipline and sacrifice.